Loudspeaker manufacturer KEF has announced two new speaker models, namely the KEF LS50 Meta and the KEF LS50 Wireless II.
KEF LS50 Meta
The new KEF LS50 Meta uses new technology called Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). It is an absorption technique developed by KEF, in collaboration with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group. The LS50 Meta and KEF LS50 Wireless II (more on that below) are the first two speakers from the manufacturer to be equipped with this.
MAT is a circular plastic part that is placed behind the tweeter. The part absorbs the distorted sound emanating from the back of the cone, which normally ends up in the cabinet. This is done through maze-like channels, each of which has its own size and shape. As a result, different frequencies can be received. KEF says that speakers equipped with MAT can absorb up to 99 percent of the unwanted sound. In speakers with the traditional approach, this is up to sixty percent.
In addition, the KEF LS50 Meta features a twelfth generation Uni-Q driver, a new type of cone clutch and an improved motor. Dedicated standards have also been released, namely the S2 Floor Stand, with bass plates that can muffle the sound.
The new KEF LS50 Meta should be on sale from October and cost 1199 euros per pair and are available in Carbon Black, Mineral White, Titanium Gray and Royal Blue Special Edition. The S2 standards cost 450 euros per pair.
KEF LS50 Wireless II
The KEF LS50 Wireless II also features MAT and thus also absorbs up to 99 percent of distorted sound. In addition, the new Uni-Q driver is also present here, as well as a new motor system, on top of the 100 watt A / B amplifier for the tweeter. For the mids and bass, the KEF LS50 Wireless II uses a 280-watt class D amplifier.
This time, the Wireless speaker does not have a USB-type-b connection, but HDMI arc. This means you can easily place the speakers next to a television. Furthermore, the model has the connections that its predecessor already had, namely RCA, optical and coax.
The KEF LS50 Wireless II can handle files up to 24-bit / 384 kHz, this time with support for dsd256 and mqa. Also, this time you only need one app, the KEF Connect app. The app gives you access to music streaming services such as Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz and Deezer, on top of your local library and files from your network. In addition, there is Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and bluetooth.
The Wireless II is expected to be on sale from November in Carbon Black, Mineral White, Titanium Gray and Crimson Red Special Edition. The price: 2,499 euros per pair. You can also use the LS2 standards for these speakers.
For other products of KEF click here.
